Sunday, 18 November 2012

I need the soil that bore my race and holds their bones beneath this place.

When I was a skinny teen I wore short skirts all the time but over the last 15 years my hemlines have become a more sensible length as my body mass has increased. Now I'm a UK size 18-20 I'm really cautious about wearing short skirts for fear of looking like, well..... a fat slag.

I bought this dress from ebay and dyed it lavender. However the crappy inner slip just looked hideous so I decided to wear a regular petticoat with it.

Necklace - Salvation Army Christmas Bazaar

Belt - Primark

Tights - H&M - new fave place for tights, great fit, great colours, don't fall down after one wear

Shoes - ebay

Ok girls, so honestly, how do I look? Is it just too short. Is the fit all wrong? Am I too big to get away with that hem length. Do I resemble an orange balanced on matchsticks?

I need your feed back, I know the colours look great. I'm so pleased the dye actually too. I recommend Dylon, just keep stirring it for ages.

I had an audience for my posing, not sure what they thought of it

Neither the squirrel or the Great Tits seemed to care what I was up to. The birds are so sweet on the feeder, they actually queue up. Very British of them.

The amazing Lucy of Small Talk sent me the matching dress to the 60s/70s waistcoat I got last week. It look rather fabulous

I love it! That dark patch is just water, the material attracts moisture.

I'm still tracing my family history and I've managed to get back to 1584 in Buckinghamshire alone. So my "old soul" side likes a bit of folk. It makes me feel attached to the place my genes have been hanging around for centuries. Like a chav in a vandalised playground

LOTS to comment on, Clare, so I had better get started.I really like the lilac dress, it's a lovely shape and colour, and I don't think it is too short on you. I think you just need to reacclimatise yourself to shorter lengths, I feel the same way. I tend to feel more confident with leggings or thick tights and boots under shorter skirts. Fat Slag you are NOT, my lovely, you have super shapely legs. And Great Tits. Hahahaha!The pink dress from Lucy is great, wonderful sleeves, and those pinky/lavender shades look amazing with the turquoise tights. (Matalan's opaques are good value, btw.) She sent you some lovely gifts, can't wait to see how you glam up Jesus! I would have nabbed that beret too! You know, as much as you have some anxieties over your body image, I do too, so being called The Bod is bloody hilarious! Be afraid, Elle McPherson, be very afraid! But it just goes to show we don't see ourselves as others do.Perhaps we get on because we are both old souls of Buckinghamshire, probably from the same gene pool! The chav in the vandalised playground gene pool! I will borrow that phrase, if you don't mind. And that beret.... Now wear your mini with pride, Sister! xxxxxxxxx

OOooh, so much loveliness in one post! Firstly, the dress. My first thought was how wonderful you look in it! It's really flattering and lovely on you. Fat slag? Horrid words not applicable here by any stretch of the imagination!!!! The shoes are really cute too!Secondly- squirrel and co, too too cute!!!! Three- pink dress- marvellous- sooooooooooo you!!!!! How lovely of her to send it!Four: oooooh, nice Sally army finds (my favourite Charity shop is an SA one!) Envious of that FAB beret!!! Looks great on you! And the coat - wow!!!!Oooh, minty tights too- are they recent H&M?x

I love dying things - it gets a bit addictive innit?! I get in these mad frenzies and run round the house looking for other stuff to fling in the pot! (That doesn't happen very often nowadays actually - it's a bit dodgy when kids are around!)

Great dresses! You have great legs you lucky thing!

Love the pink dress with the matching thingy.

Excellent finds. Love that album cover!

I'm so glad we don't have birds here called tits. I'd never stop giggling. Very immature, me.

I love the outfits on you in these pictures plus I really love your pink hair...im thinking of a change to mine and would love to do it red or pink or even purple im just scared to as ive only ever been blonde or brown! :)x

Crazy bitch response indeed!! Some people take life far too seriously. I mean, if you were some size 6 scenester skank maybe I could understand this ill humoured overreaction. but you're not, and neither am I. And when will people realise that it's OK to not love absolutely everything about yourself. For every "fat" woman who claims to be 100% happy with their body image, there are probably a million others who would desperately like to lose weight. This is a simple fact. If a person is happy with their size, great, but that doesn't give them the right to tell someone that they're not entitled to their insecurities and further, that they're not entitled to talk about their insecurities on their own blog! The best response - nothing at all!

Anyway, back to you dear. I love each one of these dresses on you. The pastel colours are just dreamy with your pink hair and make me all nostalgic! I also tend to avoid shorter skirt lengths for the simple reason that I prefer knee length. I avoid maxis for the same reason. Doesn't mean I'm desperately ashamed of my size. However, I think it is a decision that is entirely down to you and what makes you feel comfortable. I love the lavendar colour with those tights. I also love the dusky pink colour of the second dress. As for the 99p coat - wow! Although, I personally think it would look better on me and that you should send it to me forthwith!;) Thanks for the tip on H&M tights. I'm always on the lookout for decent tights, that come up over your hips and don't fall down all frickin day.

To sum up, you look amazing in all these outfits and what you do and do not wear is your business as is what you post on your blog. And "fatshionista" wtf?!

Love LOVE the lacey number, you look totally gorgeous! The lines are lovely, all these delcious colurs make me purr,old girl!!! (bahahaha!)I also adore the matchy matchy heaven number, yay Lucy for finding the missing piece!!! You KNOW how I love a good MATCH.Goodness, the lassie has certainly put a lot of energy into a whole post, when surely a simple comment letting you know that she was offended by your remark would have done, surely?! I can't presume to know anything about the lass, however; clearly it's a sensitive issue. OLD GIRL! One could take umbrage at being referred to as one of the older bloggers you hang out with, but I AM older, so whatever!Better to be looked over,baby,than overlooked!Rock the hell ON,lovely! XXX

Oh lovely lady, I adore the short dress. You know, I don't think that it should matter whether you are a size 8 or a size 18, it's all about showing off your good assets, and lady your legs are good assets. You have really lovely legs, you should most definitely stick with the short skirts. I wonder if wanting to wear short skirts again is an early 30s thing, as a teeny bopper I loved a mini skirt, and like you moved onto longer hemlines, but now find myself craving the short skirts again. Definitely go with it I think. xx

Well, since you asked, and I have to be honest - you look FANTASTIC in that short dress!!! Your legs are shapely and lovely and I hope you add more of these styles to your repertoire. Also, one needs attitude to pull off pink hair and these super combos, and you are on high beams. How do you do this? You are an artist. Slags come in all shapes and sizes and you are NOT one. I LOVE your beret too and your take on the fabulous Curtise The Bod!

I agree with all of the above - you look FUCKING GORGEOUS in that lacy frock and I love the colour. And Lucy's matchy matchy frock and coat is DIVINE. You're a slag, I'm a slag, who cares? It's only language and I understand that people are offended - but that's THEIR shit, not yours. However, whenever I find myself using language about myself that I wouldn't use against other people, I remind myself to be kind to myself. So maybe there's that. Maybe not. I dunno. You can call yourself whatever you like, it's your blog. And you're a rockstar. So there's that. Amen and out. Sarah xxx

Oh my goodness Clare, her comments are just ridiculous, and saying that you are older, who the hell does she think she is...but I must say, damn you look good for being 40!..haha - I didn't know you aged so much over night, it must be the British weather. - Anyway, people are just soo rude, but just don't give her the satisfaction of feeling bad, just blow it off as it should be.

I love the matching dress and jacket they are perfect on you. It doesn't matter what size you are, you always looks great and I think you have great style. I agree with the belt re. photo one, you should ditch it :) Tam x

Sweetheart lets just start with that hair, it's the most perfect cotton candy pink you are getting so good at your hair! Not only can you rock the short length but you look both cute and sexy! The colors are beautiful with your hair all of it delicious! Lucy has sent you a parcel of love, you can feel it! I think you are adorable inside and out!Haters gonna hate, and usually they are just jealous. It's nice to see someone as young as you so free with their style. That takes confidence. You wear it well! Keep having fun with your appearance you are your very own canvas! LotsofloveXxxxoooo

I can't believe the offense taken at your comment. It seems kind of odd that it warranted an entire post dedicated to fabulous you! And anyway there are slags of all shapes & sizes & skirt lengths. I love the dyed frock on you....your legs look great. I steer away from over the knee lengths because I don't think they are so flattering on me, but tights seem to make shorter lengths look better. I love the second outfit....fab frock & coat, & those sleeves! And the ebay coat is divine too. We love you, don't change for anything! Xx

You look lovely - the hair, lavender dress, minty devine tights - everything! Pink outfit is spectacularly good too! So don't change a thing, you are fabulous just as you are! As for the other blog...it's easier to critique than to create and what you say about others says more about you than the person you're talking about, or slagging off as the case may be. You are fantastic - rise above!

I'm coming to rescue you, dear Clare!!I think that the girl was not so mean , I understand that who works on loving her body type could find offensive that a beautiful girl define herself a fat slag and need our advice while looking stunning in a lavender dress!Some girls simply have an "aura", they could wear their underwear to a party and despite their physical imperfections they would make everyone else in that room swoon.I've learned that everyone could get this aura loving herself or acting as she does, trying to stand against a role model that probabily only few men likes.Maybe you are fighting with your weight because you used to be thinner, but you should really understand that we always have to feel comfortable in our skin. You are amazing, I love your new haircut and dye and the outfits in this post makes me really happy, the lace dress is wonderful with all the sorbet like colours, I love your white shoes and the Lucy's pink dress is fabulous!Love xxx

Blimey Clare. What have you started? You've caused a right little rumpus haven't you? It's your blog, sweetie, you can say what the damn hell you like. I can't be doing with militant bloggers, fashionistas whatever they want to call themselves. I think your response was very sensible and now I think you should just take a deep breath and "let it gooooooo". Now, let's talk about something far more interesting. You. You look fabulous in the lavender and I love the tights (yes I agree, H&M have some good colours). Great legs! xx

Ooer Clare, this is what makes me wish I could set my blog so only chosen bloggers can see it. I think she probably has her heart in the right place but she has totally misunderstood the cultural reference, as you said, and also the British sense of humour which tends to be self deprecating. I was called Olive Oyle at school, due to being lanky, and also Crystal Tips due to my triangular bushy hair! I didn't like those names at all but I had to just laugh them off and get on with it. I wonder if I posted pics of Olive and Crystal would I be subject to such a backlash from love your frizzy hair groups or suchlike? I'm just being silly there, but I think I've mentioned to you before that in the short time I've been here I've seen your confidence growing so much, so please don't let the negative comments set you back. You look lovely in these colours and outfits and I can totally understand the need to get some reassurance from your fellow bloggers about an outfit, I think any time I've done an outfit post it's not been because I feel fabulous, it's been to get some feedback on what I'm wearing. xx

just wanted to add, I was thinking about my comment and I hope it doesn't sound like I think Americans are humourless or don't get humour generally because I hate all that "Americans don't get irony" type thinking from British people, probably my favourite comedian ever is Bill Hicks, the man was a philosopher as well as being very funny I think. xx

Holy crap on a cracker, love....way to go to take offence over fuck all! I shall be popping over later to have my say, but I'm with Stephen Fry on being offended.As for you...you are a tasty minx with legs to dribble over. Look at 'em...course you can get away with that hemline. Love the colours too and Lucy's dress is perfect on you. I'm off now to be reasonable somewhere.Talk soon ans have soem artists I want to put your way.Loves ya, Minxy Bum.XXXXXXX

you look positively cosmic in that lavender dress. apparently saying this will make me a sycophant but personally i only comment on things and people that i like, a person's dress size and personal insecurities are their own business and how they deal with it is up to them. everyone seeks reassurance from time to time despite outwardly appearing confident, i wonder if i wrote a similar thing about my facial acne i too would be lambasted for promoting 'poor self acceptance'.

Blimey Claire i have just popped over to the blog and read the comments and im only sorry you had to contend with this. Its very hard when you write a post people take it the way they are feeling at the time rather like sending and reading a text you can't see face expressions or read feelings if you know what i mean. Don't worry about it and put it down to one of life's experinces. Now going back to your outfits i think you look gorgeous in both you have stunning legs and if you feel nice then you should wear what you want. And don't worry about what others think. You are beautiful person inside and out. big hugs dee xx

You look bloody brilliant in all your outfits, you've got fabulous legs and they should be got out at all times. The dress you've dyed is a triumph and looks like it was born to be worn with that waistcoat Lucy found you. Her parcel is outstanding, her powers of observation aren't confined purely to people-watching, she's got your tastes to a tee.

Your Sally Army haul is excellent, that beret and the album cover, especially.

I've read that girl's blog post and to be honest can't be arsed responding to it, she's had more than enough traffic and is doubtlessly checking your comments regularly. It's the crass assumption that you're part of the fa(t)shionista clan that pisses me off (and the fact she mentioned you without commenting on your blog). Like you I loathe being labelled, we blog for fun and not to be pigeon-holed as "older", "bigger" or "Vintage". Mind you, what do I know? I'm just a sycophantic old cripple. xxxxxxxxxx

Wow Clare....I read the reaction and it has made my brain start whirling. First of all, I think you're beautiful, and I love your art and admire anyone who has real fashion sense, and the balls to do their own thing. That being said, you are entitled to your opinion. Only you live your life being you, and if you are disatisfied with how you look at some point, aren't we all? I'm not advocating disatisfaction. I'm thinking deeper thoughts, like how there are stupid things in life like people mocking people for being too heavy, in their estimation, but there is another undercurrent of people who think it's wrong for any woman to not like the way she looks no matter what.

This is getting convoluted. I may have to do a post on it. What did you think when you found out the lady's reaction? Man, we have a hard time as women, don't we.

I love you, you crazy-arsed skank!! And don't you be dissin' my Two Fat Slags k? Don't think I didn't notice your extremely impressive back-combing skills there with the mauve gorgeousness - oh the sleeves on that frock are to die for!! I want to see your dyed lavender lacy number up around you ears baby ... gizz a load of those gams!!!!! I ADORE the colour of the tights you're wearing with it. I couldn't give a flying frigate about what people say about their own bodies. In fact, I lost too much weight about a year ago - 7kg - and looked like Wendy, the skeleton-like junkie whore from Breaking Bad. I can say that if I like can't I? I have TERRIBLE issues with my body, which is incredibly fucked-up but it's MY fucked up innit? You can say what you like on your blog. It's your blog. And I luff you. And I put the weight back on and I'm still a fucked up saddo that thinks I'm hideous. I know. Fucked. xoxooxoxoxoxoxoxox

Holy Backlash Batman!!! I've gotta say I am shocked at the reaction your comment has made, as I see it, you were merely expressing your own personal insecurities, which like it or not we all have no matter what size or shape we are, and NOT re-enforcing a negative stereotype. I find your honesty about the way you feel refreshing. Not that I agree with your negative thoughts about yourself, but that it takes a lot of strength to air them. Its something we should all do from time to time to realise that, our perceptions of ourselves can get warped.

Anyway anuf of that, time for some mindless sycophanting ... You look amazing as always in all of your outfits you certainly suit the swinging short skirted sixties styles, love the die job on the first dress, it looks fab, and I've got to say Mate, your legs are Amazing, nowt to worry about there!!! xx

wow i definitely missed something the last days here it seems you even got a new big fan;)well anyway darling i think you look amazing in both, you are the queen of pastel colors for me, but i love the second outfit more the waistcoat and matching dress are almost to fabulous to be true. and forget about that nasty response, some people just need to get an own life like it seems ...kiss,mary

Oh boy, I seem to have come to this a bit late and missed all the fuss! You always look lovely, I love how you experiment and I love your wonderful 'take me as I am' attitude. Stay just the way you are ... the way we all love you! I haven't commented for a while, but I'm still reading - just maxed out with life in general! M x

Damn Clare, you are awesome. I loved your next post so much, but you closed comments, so I disrespected that and promptly came back to your previous post to tell you that I loved the assertive way you wrote that post and said the things that I was too tongue-garbled to properly say.

Clare I think "almost" every female has asked the same question you asked in this post. (Either to themselves when looking in a mirror or their Husbands, boyfriends, friends.... WHATEVER?!) You didn't do anything wrong!You can ask whatever you want in YOUR blog. That's the best part! The freedom to express whatever you feel or say whatever you want to say.There is some people who are perfectly happy with whatever body type they have. There is other's who wish they were "Smaller or Bigger - Shorter or Taller"We are all people no matter what.

You look lovely in both outfits. "Like a fairy" =D All you need is your own unicorn to ride on.